CANAPE

CANAPE partners gather in Denmark

05 April 2019 - Published by Harry Mach
The CANAPE partners came together amid the beautiful surroundings of Lille Vildmose in Himmerland, Denmark. The partners focused on finalising the carbon measuring methodology for the project, and identifying strategies to allow the project to have a long lasting legacy.

The discussion on carbon measuring focused on ensuring the correct balance is maintained between ease of use and accuracy. In particular, the issue of accurately representing Nitrogen Oxide emissions was discussed. Nitrogen Oxide is not emitted in large amounts, but on a kg for kg basis is over 200 times as damaging as CO2. The partners agreed on the current methods, and the timeline for final completion of the methodology.

The current barriers to implementation of paludiculture were reviewed by the partnership. In particular, how to address lack of awareness and confidence in the products. The current lack of subsidy in comparison to other agricultural products was also highlighted as a major issue.

After the meetings the partners visited several key sites around Lille Vildmose, and were presented with the difficulties and methods used in the management of the area. As with many such sites, the retention of water within key peatland areas was discussed, and experiences in this area were shared.

The partners visited one of the project’s restoration sites, (reported here), and discussed the challenges and opportunities of the rewetting project. The visit allowed for detailed discussions on the methods applied to the site. Partners were also able to literally get to grips with the peat in the area.

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Field Ecology – understanding the different plant communities that have grown over time by examining the layers of peat.

The visit to Lille Vildmose provided a good reminder of the value of well-maintained peatlands to nature, as numerous rare species including two White Tailed Eagle were spotted.

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The sites former use as a peat cutting location is readily apparent, with the edge of the diggings forming an unnaturally straight line. Now returned to nature, this area is filled with interesting wildlife.